De Caunes began his career in broadcasting in 1945, shortly after the Second World War, translating Voice of America into French for Radiodiffusion française.

After his success on Monaco television, De Caunes was offered a radio presenting job on the newly formed station Europe 1.

He was also a keen sports presenter fronting several football matches across the world for French television De Caunes was married three times.

He left Groult for television presenter Jacqueline Joubert from whom they had a son Antoine (who is now one of France's best known entertainers and the host of Eurotrash).

In 1960 De Caunes divorced Joubert and in 1967 he married reporter Anne-Marie Carmentrez they had two children together Marie and Pierre (who is now a presenter).